Curved Display Sealing Structure for Waterproof Portable Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of maintaining a waterproof seal in portable electronic devices with curved displays, where the varying heights of sealing members create gaps that allow moisture and dust ingress, particularly at connection points between different sealing members.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic device design incorporating a blocking member that fills the connection hole between sealing members, preventing the filling material from leaking into the buffer area, and a base with a seating portion to secure the blocking member, ensuring a continuous seal despite the height differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a curved display is used to achieve a three-dimensional effect, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the sealing becomes difficult due to height differences between sealing members

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurved display shapeVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A liquid filling member is introduced as an intermediary substance to connect the first and second sealing members at different heights. The liquid filling member flows into the connection hole and solidifies to form a rigid connector that bridges the height difference, enabling continuous sealing between sealing members with different elevations caused by the curved display geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state of the filling member from liquid to solid to resolve the sealing problem. The liquid filling member is injected in liquid form to fill the connection hole, then undergoes phase change to solidify, creating a rigid structural connector that maintains the seal while adapting to the height difference created by the curved display

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If sealing members are disposed at different heights to accommodate the curved display, then the curved display effect is achieved, but gaps are formed that allow moisture and dust ingress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurved display effectVSAvoidmoisture and dust ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid filling member serves as a mediator that fills the gap created by the height difference between sealing members. After solidification, it creates a continuous sealing path that prevents harmful factors (moisture and dust) from entering through the connection hole between sealing members at different elevations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system is segmented into multiple components (first sealing member, second sealing member, and liquid filling member) that work together. Each segment addresses a specific portion of the sealing challenge, with the liquid filling member specifically addressing the connection region between the two main sealing members at different heights

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a liquid filling member is used to connect sealing members at different heights, then the sealing continuity is improved, but the filling material may leak into the buffer area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing continuityVSAvoidfilling material leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A blocking member is installed in advance in the buffer area to prevent the liquid filling member from leaking. This preliminary protective measure is placed before the liquid filling process, creating a barrier that stops any potential leakage at the source and prevents contamination of the buffer area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member acts as an intermediary barrier between the connection hole (where liquid filling occurs) and the buffer area. It allows the liquid filling member to perform its sealing function while preventing it from migrating into the buffer area, thus resolving the conflict between sealing continuity and material loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4683439A1Portable electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4683439A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4683439A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4683439A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A portable electronic device includes: a housing; a display including a window and a display panel, and one end of the display has a curved portion; a buffer area formed along an edge of the housing such as to correspond to the curved portion, the buffer area having a concave cross-section; a first sealing member between the display panel and the housing; a second sealing member between the window and the housing and spaced apart from the first sealing member; a connection hole, in the housing, that is between the first sealing member and the second sealing member and adjacent to the buffer area; a filling member that fills the connection hole and connects the first sealing member and the second sealing member; and a blocking member, between the connection hole and the buffer area, that blocks the filling member from flowing into the buffer area.